The Cole Memo

A new bill filed in the Illinois House aims to expand access to medical cannabis and increase the number of plants residents can legally grow at home.

According to the synopsis for the legislation, House Bill 3498 (HB3498), introduced by Rep. Rita Mayfield on February 7, 2025, proposes amendments to Illinois’ cannabis laws. The bill removes restrictions that previously barred individuals with certain criminal convictions from becoming caregivers and increases the number of patients a caregiver can support from one to ten

Additionally, HB3498 seeks to amend the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act by expanding home cultivation limits. Under the proposed changes, residents would be allowed to grow up to 12 cannabis plants per household, up from the current limit of five.

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#295 – Inside the Ascend Strike: Cannabis Workers Speak Out [Illinois] – The Cole Memo

Cole sits down with striking workers and representatives from Teamsters Local 916 to discuss the ongoing labor dispute at Ascend Wellness' cultivation facility in Barry, Illinois. They explain why more than 300 workers walked off the job, outline their concerns over wages, health care, overtime, workplace safety, and contract negotiations, and respond directly to portions of Ascend's public statement. The conversation also explores what the strike could mean for Illinois' cannabis supply chain, consumer concerns surrounding cultivation conditions, and what both sides would need to do to return to the bargaining table. Throughout the interview, Cole emphasizes transparency by explaining how the interview came together and offers Ascend the opportunity to share its perspective in a future episode. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/30/e295/

1. #295 – Inside the Ascend Strike: Cannabis Workers Speak Out [Illinois] 39:01
2. #294 – Federal Cannabis Developments & Illinois Cannabis Law Updates 47:03
3. #293 – Federal Cannabis Developments & What We Learned in Chicago 03:02:35
4. #292 – Governor Pritzker Signs Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Into Law 18:13
5. #291 – Trulieve's NYSE Milestone, Upcoming Illinois Reporting, and Live Grow Cam Launch 12:57